Page 25 of Unwrapping Spring Break

“See that you do, or I might have to just drop by to find out myself.”

Eeek! No, thanks.I love my mother, but I need some warning before she comes over. It’s her most effective threat. “Love you,” I say.

“I love you too, darling. Goodbye!” She hangs up, leaving me shaking my head, and I walk back into the building, my confidence renewed.

An additional two hours later, all the paperwork is signed, sealed, and on its way to the notary public. Mr. Walters and I stand together, and he reaches across the table to shake my hand.

“I’ll be in touch, Miss Summers.” By now, I’ve seen his smile enough to know it’s genuine and not a sleazy, hungry, greed-fueled one.

“Thank you, Mr. Walters. This will be the start of something wonderful, I know it. I look forward to hearing from you.”

Gathering up my things, I realize I’ve been here for almost five hours. The day’s work is far from finished, however. I’m exhausted, but a delicious smell hits my nose when I walk out of the lawyer’s office. It smells like fried food and cheese curds. Food. It’s exactly what I need to keep my energy up.

Slaw Daddy’s.

The door opens as someone walks out, and they hold it open for me. Then, just as I walk up to the hostess stand, there’s a loud commotion.

“Homewrecker! You’re a whore! You’re not good enough for him!” a woman yells while a tall, muscular man drags her out kicking and screaming.

I jump out of the way to avoid being collateral damage. They both stop for a moment when a younger woman walks up to them and whispers in the woman’s ear. The woman’s eyes widen as the younger woman smiles at her, then turns on her heels and walks back to her table.

“Kristie, if you can’t behave, you’re not welcome here.”

“As if I like this place anyway.” She tosses her hair over her shoulder. “This place is stupid.”

The man rolls his eyes, sighs, and points toward the door. “Out.” Kristie gives him one last huff and stomps off down the street.

Oh my.

The tall man addresses me after Kristie leaves. “Hi there. Welcome to Slaw Daddy’s. Are you dining in or taking it to go?”

“Takeout, please.”

He nods and hands me a menu. “Someone will be with you in just a moment.”

I peruse the menu before deciding on the weekly special—a BBQ chicken sandwich with ranch slaw dressing and a side of cheese curds. Mmmm, I can already tell the food is going to be delicious.

Food in hand, I walk into the kitchen and set everything on the counter. There’s still so much to accomplish this afternoon. The least I can do is be more comfortable. I change into leggings and my favorite T-shirt.

Feeling much better, I sit at my small dining table with a notebook, laptop, and chicken sandwich. The flavors hit my tongue on the first bite, and it causes my eyes to roll back. This was definitely the right choice. So good.

As I review my notes from the meeting with Mr. Walters, my thoughts drift to Jax. More specifically, how well we worked together and how fun it was celebrating the wins in the Bahamas. Had he been as proud of me as he was impressed? Why do I want his approval? Truth be told, the whys don’t matter too much. I want those feelings back.

I ache to be in his warm embrace and to gaze into his eyes. To feel his weight against me when he leans in to kiss me.

While my new venture isn’t for him, it’s nice to think about him and make decisions with him in mind. After all, he does know the business and can be a great resource. Even if nothing comes from the meeting tomorrow, I will still make the business a reality. It’ll be much different from Dad’s, so it won’t be in direct competition with him, despite his partnership dissolving. Still, enough aspects are similar that it’ll be good to have an experienced hand involved as I move forward.

And not just with the business. Jax is wonderful. We got along so well before it all went to shit. I want more of that. I deserve more of that. I want more time with him to explore where we can go. Together. I hope he feels the same way.

No more wasting time. I polish off my sandwich and the last of the cheese curds and glance at my notes one more time. Finally, I’m ready to make the calls.

I dial the number for Mr. Jones first. He answers on the second ring.

“Miss Summers! What a pleasant surprise.” His thick accent makes me smile as it brings back memories of the sea air.

“I’m glad to see you remember me,” I say with a light laugh. Of course he does.

“How could I forget a stunning lady like you? What can I do for you this evening?”

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